Our History
Founded in 1955, Scientific France is the oldest French model building distribution company. Named today as "Scientific MHD", our company is celebrating 67 years of experience in the world of model making.
The rise of a discipline made up of enthusiasts
Since the 1950s, model building has been fast-growing. Scientific France has played a part in this, as our company was one of the first to import model making products. Gradually, we built up a network of retailers that enabled French model building enthusiasts to buy their supplies more easily. Previously, most of the model building items were manufactured abroad, and it wasn't as easy to travel and get products across borders as today. Gradually, our network of retailers expanded to offer all French model builders the items they needed to satisfy their needs.
Turning a passion into a profession: the first visual aids for the world of model making
Scientific France was created by Jean Fontaine, who, before launching into the distribution of model building items, had turned his passion into a profession. Mr Fontaine was a great national and international competitor in free flight (Motomodel and Wakefield). In addition, Scientific France was among the first companies to produce model aircraft catalogues, well before the creation of model aircraft magazines. In the first catalogues printed in 1956, you could find Keil Kraft aircraft construction boxes, Team Racing circular flight aircraft, E.D. auto-ignition engines, Allen Mercury, Elfin, the very first Webra diesel engines and E.D. radio control sets.
In 1956, the first decorative scale model boats in kit form launched by the Constructo brand appeared in the catalogues. Thereafter, imported brands such as Mantua, Billing Boats, Panart and Mamoli were also included. With these brands, Scientific France positioned themselves as the French specialists in wooden boat model kits.
Scientific MHD… a pioneer company.
Our company was the first to import the very first Japanese O.S. radio controls units and then the American Bonnair and Kraft radio controls. Scientific France was also the exclusive distributor of the largest range of O.S. Engines and Italian Super Tiger engines.
Throughout the 1970s, Scientific France began to distribute the first radio-controlled Schlüter and Kavan helicopters. While closely following the technological evolutions in the world of model building, in 1990 our company became the distributor of Hirobo, world leaders of the radio-controlled helicopter. Until 2010, we distributed the Great Planes, Top Flite and Carl Goldberg ranges of the American distribution giant, HOBBICO INC.
During the 1970s, plastic scale models also appeared in the catalogue made by American brands such as Monogram, Revell, AMT, Aurora and Glencoe.
In 1994, Scientific France's subsidiary, MHD (Maquette Hobby Distribution), became the exclusive importer of Hasegawa Seisagusho for the French market, the leader in plastic scale model aircraft. Initially, MHD focused solely on plastic scale models before gradually branching out into Hat figures, Lifecolor paints and Die Cast miniatures produced by brands such as Kyosho, Rextoys and BBR.
In the early 2000s, Scientific France strengthened its position in the world of RC cars with the brand CENRACING, the first ready-to-run RC car. These models were an opportunity for beginners to start RC cars without having to assemble and paint their car from scratch. This collaboration was at the origin of the 1:10 scale replica of the most famous French racing buggy raced by Jean Louis Schlesser, multi-titled world champion of rally raids and two-time winner of the PARIS-DAKAR. Even today, this 1:10 version remains the best-selling model in the history of Scientific France!
During the 2000's we saw the radio-controlled helicopter made more accessible and become popular by the Chinese company Esky, which began producing more affordable electric models and MHD began the distribution of these helicopters brand.
Year after year, we continued to expand our catalogue with well-known plastic brands such as Hobby Boss, Academy, ARMA Hobby.
From Scientific France to Scientific MHD
In 2013, Scientific France merged with their subsidiary MHD to create Scientific MHD. The two entities joined forces to meet the new challenges in the model building world. That same year, our experience in the distribution of radio-controlled cars enabled us to develop and produce the MHDPRO range.
In 2018, we also took over the development and production of the electric motors aircraft brand called Protronik.
So what are Scientific MHD's strengths?
Having a catalogue with quality products including a wide range of brands, models and accessories enable us to reach a diverse audience.
Thanks to a stock of nearly 20,000 products, we can also cater for many categories: radio-controlled modelling, static scale models, beginner or expert levels and even enthusiasts who love competing.
Our large stock also enables us to offer each customer fast delivery.
When an article is in stock on our site, we can send it out straight away, anywhere in France and Europe.
We also take care of the after-sales and rely on a passionate and technically competent team that has been faithfully by our side through the Scientific France adventure and now with Scientific MHD.
We are a team of enthusiasts who are pleased to help you and wish you all the fun and enjoyment with this passionate hobby!